LD Debate

Overview:

Students in this event debate one vs one on a philosophical topic that changes several times a year. They have a few weeks prior to the tournament to prepare cases both affirming and negating the topic. In each round, they are randomly assigned an affirmative or negative role. This category of debate traditionally focuses on a Value and Criterion which debaters use to weigh which side has proven or disproven the resolution based upon supporting evidence. They will typically structure their argumentation in the form of contentions supported with properly cited evidence. In more progressive forums debaters structure cases using logical structures such as disadvantages, counterplans, kritiks or topicality. As judge, you will choose a winner and assign speaker points.

Foundational Resources:

How to Judge

Instructions from the National Speech & Debate Association

Showcase: LD Debate

Overview of LD Debate from the National Speech & Debate Association

Example Round

2010 NSDA Final Round

What is your Paradigm?

Debaters will often ask this question of judges so that they can better understand what a judge's expectations are for the round. A paradigm, in debate, is a statement about your beliefs and predispositions regarding the debate round. Many highly-qualified judges have lengthy and complex paradigms that debaters study prior to the debate round and use this information to adjust their speaking style and argumentation choices to match what the judge prefers. If you are new to judging, it is preferred that you share this with debaters either in an oral comment, if asked, or online by creating a paradigm on Tabroom. Those new to judging often give debaters helpful information like these items:

  • "This is the first time that I've judged this event."
  • "I'm a volunteer and I've read over some information about this topic and watched a demo video, but I'm new to judging."
  • "Please keep your delivery slow and clear. I appreciate clear analysis of why you should win in the final rebuttals."

It can be very educational to read the paradigms of other debate judge who have posted a paradigm on Tabroom. After you've judged a few rounds and begun to develop your own viewpoint, you should post your paradigm as well. It is most important that your paradigm gives an equal chance for both Affirmative and Negative to win, and is focused on creating an educational focus for all debaters.

What are Flights?

In Lincoln Douglass debate, each Round will typically be further divided into "Flight A" and "Flight B." If Round 1 is scheduled to occur at 2pm, then Flight A (between two students) should occur at that time. Flight B (between two students) would occur about 45 minutes later. It is expected that the Flight B students would wait in the hallway until the Flight A round is finished. If you are judging flighted rounds, it is VERY important that you confirm the names and assigned sides of each student carefully.

Current Topic:

The topic for Lincoln-Douglass changes bi-monthly. Check the National Speech & Debate Association Current Topics page to confirm the exact wording you will see debated.

Judging Framework

Instruction from NSDA to assist judges with Framework issues

Flow Tips

Some great tips from an experienced judge

Helpful Tools:

Debate Mobile

Grab this app to help you track speech and prep time

Online Timer

Grab this helpful tool to keep track of time.